Karim Ismaili

Dr. Karim Ismaili will become the seventh president of Eastern Connecticut State University on July 31, 2024. Karim brings nearly three decades of leadership and administrative experience in higher education to Eastern. Prior to his appointment, Karim served as Executive Vice President and Provost at Bridgewater State University. His tenure at Bridgewater was marked by the development of new degree programs tailored to workforce needs, successful accreditation reviews, and the establishment of strong academic pathways with other institutions, particularly for low-income, first-generation, and minoritized students. Karim has also held significant academic and administrative roles at Radford University (VA), St. John’s University (NY), Kennesaw State University (GA), and at Toronto Metropolitan University (Ontario). A first-generation immigrant college student raised by single mother, Karim lives with his spouse Wendy, and their Labrador Retriever, Gemma. He holds three citizenships (UK, Canada, USA) and is a lifelong supporter of Liverpool Football Club and the England National Team.